Hibiscus is a beautiful flower that is transformed into a bright red tea that is often called red zinger. Another name for hibiscus tea is "sour tea". The Name Hibiscus means "Rose of China", even though Hibiscus was thought to originate in India. Hibiscus is known and used in many cultures the world over. The ancient Egyptians used it to control diabetes, and it is the national flower of Haiti.

Hibiscus is popularly known as being useful for high blood pressure. A study done in 2010 seems to support this idea. Sixty-five adults, who were not taking blood pressure medications, took hibiscus. The results showed a change in arterial pressure as compared to a placebo. The conclusion of the study was that the daily use of hibiscus tea, in an amount easily incorporated into the diet, lowered blood pressure in prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults.

Another study done in 2008 compared hibiscus tea with black tea in diabetics. The subjects of the study were given black tea or hibiscus tea for 12 days. The researchers concluded that hibiscus tea had positive effects on the blood pressure of the type II diabetic patients with mild hypertension. The black tea drinkers showed a slight increase in blood pressure. Scientists theorize that the polyphenols in the hibiscus are responsible for the beneficial results.

Hibiscus tea is readily available on the market and if you like gardening you can grow your own. Hibiscus tea is also high in antioxidants, minerals and vitamin C. Brewing hibiscus tea is very easy. You can get it in tea bags, or loose. Simply boil 1 cup of water for every serving you want and add 1 teaspoon of herb. Let it steep a few minutes and cool to a drinkable temperature.

As with any herbal preparation, be sure to consult your healthcare practitioner before using hibiscus for therapeutic purposes.

Be sure to check out my website at www.valerielull.com. I also have a facebook page called Ten Healthy Teas. My book Ten Spices for Health and Longevity is now out in paperback. It is available at www.amazon.com

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About Valerie Lull

Valerie is a graduate from the American College of Healthcare Sciences. She has always had a passion for good health and the health benefits of herbal preparations. At the age of 45 Valerie was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes and became interested in natural ways to maintain health. She has a desire to share this information and show people how easy it is to stay healthy.

About Valerie's Books

Valerie has written a book called Ten Healthy Teas. Sometimes staying healthy is as simple as drinking a cup of tea. Valerie just published her second book Ten Spices for Health and Longevity. Valerie also writes a weekly blog called "Simple Ways to Stay Healthy".